Transform Rockford volunteer spotlight: Melissa Patel

In Rockford area since: I moved to Rockford in 2002 and have resided in Belvidere for the past six years. My husband and I both graduated from Rockford University and consider the Rockford region home for our family.

Transform Rockford involvement: I am a member of the Analysis Team. We are tasked to review statics generated through public and private reports and relate those to future implementation plans.

Quote: Unity as a core value has been something I had previously not had living within our region. Although I have been a member of our community for 14 years I never really considered Rockford home. I realized by sitting on the sidelines and not assisting in the process to identify key solutions I was a part of the problem. So over the past year I have branched out within our community and I have been extremely impressed by all the talent, energy to revamp our region and optimistic outlook to the future. Becoming an active member within our community has allowed me to envision a better Rockford in the years to come and become unified in Transform Rockford’s mission. I am proud to be a member of our community and look forward to assisting in developing the region we all want to live in. “Where there is unity there is always victory” — Publilus Syrus

What’s new at Transform Rockford: We held the Community Vision Rally on Wednesday. We welcome everyone’s insights into the vision presented to ensure we have truly captured what will make Rockford a top-tier community.

What’s next: Once we receive the sign off from the community, we will begin transitioning into strategy mode for each defined vision element. This will bring multiple Transform Rockford teams together and those in the community to ensure we have a detailed plan on ensuring our goals are met.